Cinnamon Warning - Doctors say a popular teen prank that involves swallowing a spoonful of ground cinnamon in 60 seconds without water can cause choking, Doctors have issued a cinnamon warning. They are advising against taking the cinnamon challenge. This is when people try to eat a spoonful of the spice in 60 seconds. According to an April 22 report by the Huffington Post, the cinnamon challenge can be dangerous.